Captain Mouser
Member
Do you know what is the record length on a free flight for a glider is? I only had limited space tonight. I think this could fly 50 yards free flight. It only went 30 yards.
What Did You Fly Today
- Thread starter Wildthing
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quorneng
Master member
As you suggest how far a glider can travel in free flight will depend on the aerodynamic efficiency of its airframe.
The layout of your glider is quite reasonable but there must be a question about the cross section of wing and tail surfaces.
I know that small and light planes do not get the same benefit from specific wing sections as do full size but there some basic principles that still apply regardless.
The most obvious is the wing & tail leading edge. A radiused leading edge will create less drag than one cut square. The benefit may be small compared to other aerodynamic losses but it is there.
Next is wing dihedral. It does give the plane natural stability but it also encourages the airflow to "spill out" at the wing tip so loosing lift but the drag remains the same. The greater the dihedral angle the more air is lost. Finding the best balance between stability and wing efficiency can difficult.
The biggest issue is the need to repeat the tests under exactly the same conditions in order to detect what improvement has actually been made.
Finally the "scale" effects of aerodynamics means a model plane can never achieve the same lift to drag ratio as a full size high performance glider like to travel 30 yds for a drop of just 1 foot and to do so at a constant 60mph!
The layout of your glider is quite reasonable but there must be a question about the cross section of wing and tail surfaces.
I know that small and light planes do not get the same benefit from specific wing sections as do full size but there some basic principles that still apply regardless.
The most obvious is the wing & tail leading edge. A radiused leading edge will create less drag than one cut square. The benefit may be small compared to other aerodynamic losses but it is there.
Next is wing dihedral. It does give the plane natural stability but it also encourages the airflow to "spill out" at the wing tip so loosing lift but the drag remains the same. The greater the dihedral angle the more air is lost. Finding the best balance between stability and wing efficiency can difficult.
The biggest issue is the need to repeat the tests under exactly the same conditions in order to detect what improvement has actually been made.
Finally the "scale" effects of aerodynamics means a model plane can never achieve the same lift to drag ratio as a full size high performance glider like to travel 30 yds for a drop of just 1 foot and to do so at a constant 60mph!
Captain Mouser
Member
I’m certain. From the top of the bleachers or score box guys, my glider flies across the football field. 100 yards. I cannot make a video yet, but 11.44 oz is the weight to this silver steel rod glider. Very light. And a not bad make too. Free flight.
short_nathan
Well-known member
Consideringt this thing's performance, you should later make a neater version. The reduced drag could improve performance even more!
Quackerhonk
Well-known member
Howd you not get the motor mount to vibrate to death?
Balance the prop?
Quackerhonk
Well-known member
I dont think thats it
Houndpup Rc
Legendary member
Why not? I have also had that happen after a nose dive into the ground, or with a cheap motor sprockets.
short_nathan
Well-known member
Guys, what yall think about the Freewing F9F 64mm? Cuz I really wanna buy it but want to make sure I'm being smart about it (I'm not)
Quackerhonk
Well-known member
I heard its pretty forgiving
Houndpup Rc
Legendary member
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
short_nathan
Well-known member
Do I have enough expirience to fly EDFs? Well, finally I do 🤣
short_nathan
Well-known member
I'm starting to rethink my life choices before they happen. I really really really really REALLY REALLY REALLY want an F-18, but the F9F has been my dream plane since I got started but it hit different now!!!!
Could this possibly be better than an F9F!?
Could this possibly be better than an F9F!?
short_nathan
Well-known member
I know it does. I have the F-22 (but it's still pretty fun), but right now I can only afford the Xfly one
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